A massive manhunt continues as local, state and federal law enforcement search central Maine for a person of interest after a mass shooting at two locations in the town of Lewiston. At a press conference Thursday morning, Gov. Janet Mills confirmed that 18 people were killed and an additional 13 wounded in the shootings.
An arrest warrant for eight counts of murder has been issued for the suspect in the shootings at a Maine bowling alley and a restaurant, according to state police.
As more victims are identified, the counts against suspect Robert Card lists will probably grow to 18, Maine State Police Col. William Ross told AP.
Police responded to a “very fast moving, very dangerous scene,” Ross said, noting that seven people were found dead at the bowling alley and eight at the bar, including one victim who was outside. All had gunshot wounds. Three people who were taken to hospitals also died, Ross said.
Schools in the state were closed Thursday and residents were on lockdown as law enforcement continued searching for Card, a US Army reservist and certified firearms instructor, who law enforcement warns should be considered “armed and dangerous.”
A police intelligence bulletin said Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks in the summer of 2023. It did not provide specific details about his treatment or condition.
The document also said Card had reported hearing voices and had threatened to carry out a shooting at the U.S. Army Reserve training facility in Saco, Maine, where he was a firearms instructor.
Shooting timeline
According to the Sun Journal, “Police, fire, and rescue personnel descended on Sparetime Recreation on Mollison Way about 7:15 p.m. after a report of an active shooter. Shortly after, reports came in that there was another shooting at Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant on Lincoln Street.” An hour later, another shooting was reported at a Walmart Distribution Center.
Law enforcement released images of the suspect on social media, showing him entering a bowling alley carrying an assault-style weapon. They later released a photo of a car that Card is believed to have abandoned in the town of Lisbon near a boat launch.
On its website late Wednesday, Oct. 25, Central Maine Medical Center said staff were “reacting to a mass casualty, mass shooter event” and were coordinating with area hospitals to take in patients.
The alert for Lewiston was made shortly after 8 p.m. as the sheriff’s office reported that law enforcement agencies were investigating “two active shooter events.” Officials issued an update around 10 p.m. for what they described as a manhunt and encouraged businesses in the town to go on lockdown. Nearby college campuses were also placed on lockdown.
Maine had total of 29 murders last year
“We have state local and federal officials working on this. This is something unusual. This is not something we expect in Maine. Maine is a safe state,” Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque told NBC News. Last year, Maine had a total of 29 homicides.
Gov. Janet Mills issued a statement in the immediate aftrmath of the shooting, urging “all people in the area to follow the direction of State and local enforcement.”
The White House said President Biden was briefed on the shooting and continues to receive updates.
The FBI is assisting state and local law agencies in Maine with the investigation.
Lauren McCauley of Maine Morning Star contributed to this report
